NO STREET TOO DARK: Christ’s Love in Fentanyl Alley
Nearly every week, Brianna and Gabriel from Kern County Teen Challenge load up containers of hot food, hygiene items, neat and clean clothes, then head to the places in Bakersfield others won’t go—Union Avenue, Haley Street, and even an area locals call “Fentanyl Alley.”
“There’s no reason anyone should be out here when we have beds and help available,” says Brianna. “I want everyone we meet to know Teen Challenge exists and that there’s a way out.”
Through their partnership with Kern County’s Waste Hunger, Not Food program, the team receives 40 crates of food weekly during the school year. They heat up burritos and sandwiches, then take them to the streets along with cold drinks and fresh clothing. Along with the meals they hand out, they offer every person they meet dignity, respect, and the love of Christ.
“I’m passionate about outreach because this is my hometown,” Brianna explains. “I used to be homeless right here in Bakersfield. I know the alleys and the places people go to hide. Now I get to go back and tell them about Jesus: the One who saved me.”
The impact is immediate and life-changing. Just recently, they met someone on Union Avenue. After connecting with intern Keith, he was brought directly to the Shafter Men’s Ranch that same day, and he’s still there, walking in freedom.
Gabriel reflects on his own transformation: “I used to run these streets as a young punk rocker hooked on heroin and meth. The same streets I wandered are where our outreach office is now. Today, I’m married with a son. If God did it for me, He can do it for them.”
Twice a week, for about three hours each time, they talk to 40 to 75 people. Many familiar faces, and some new. They carry Narcan for overdoses and are CPR certified, but more importantly, they carry the hope that can break every chain.
Before heading out, they pray: “Heavenly Father, thank You for pulling us out of darkness and placing us on solid ground. Go before us. Soften hearts. Let Your love flow through us as we feed, clothe, and pray with those we meet.”
This is the heart of Teen Challenge’s original calling. When the Holy Spirit gave David Wilkerson the vision to minister Christ’s hope on the streets to addicts, gang members, and those experiencing bondage and brokenness, this is exactly what He had in mind.
Your support makes this kind of outreach possible. Consider making a gift today so we can continue bringing hope to the streets, one person at a time.
Nearly every week, Brianna and Gabriel from Kern County Teen Challenge load up containers of hot food, hygiene items, neat and clean clothes, then head to the places in Bakersfield others won’t go—Union Avenue, Haley Street, and even an area locals call “Fentanyl Alley.”
“There’s no reason anyone should be out here when we have beds and help available,” says Brianna. “I want everyone we meet to know Teen Challenge exists and that there's a way out.”
Through their partnership with Kern County’s Waste Hunger, Not Food program, the team receives 40 crates of food weekly during the school year. They heat up burritos and sandwiches, then take them to the streets along with cold drinks and fresh clothing. Along with the meals they hand out, they offer every person they meet dignity, respect, and the love of Christ.
“I’m passionate about outreach because this is my hometown,” Brianna explains. “I used to be homeless right here in Bakersfield. I know the alleys and the places people go to hide. Now I get to go back and tell them about Jesus: the One who saved me.”
The impact is immediate and life-changing. Just recently, they met someone on Union Avenue. After connecting with intern Keith, he was brought directly to the Shafter Men’s Ranch that same day, and he’s still there, walking in freedom.
Gabriel reflects on his own transformation: “I used to run these streets as a young punk rocker hooked on heroin and meth. The same streets I wandered are where our outreach office is now. Today, I’m married with a son. If God did it for me, He can do it for them.”
Twice a week, for about three hours each time, they talk to 40 to 75 people. Many familiar faces, and some new. They carry Narcan for overdoses and are CPR certified, but more importantly, they carry the hope that can break every chain.
Before heading out, they pray: “Heavenly Father, thank You for pulling us out of darkness and placing us on solid ground. Go before us. Soften hearts. Let Your love flow through us as we feed, clothe, and pray with those we meet.”
This is the heart of Teen Challenge’s original calling. When the Holy Spirit gave David Wilkerson the vision to minister Christ’s hope on the streets to addicts, gang members, and those experiencing bondage and brokenness, this is exactly what He had in mind.
Your support makes this kind of outreach possible. Consider making a gift today so we can continue bringing hope to the streets, one person at a time.